Fishermen buoyed by meeting

Fishermen say stocks are healthy

Fishing leaders from Cornwall say they are hoping for an increase in quotas after meeting ministers in Brussels.

They say Newlyn is suffering because skippers are being forced to throw dead fish overboard.

It is estimated that thousands of pounds of monkfish have been lost because quotas do not reflect fish stocks in Cornwall.

Paul Trebilcock, chief executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said: "We have constructed a very robust case, both scientifically, socially and economically.

"The response was a positive one and I am very optimistic that we will get an increase in monkfish quota."

Elizabeth Stevenson, a partner in one of Newlyn's biggest fish firms, said: "The impact of having to throw what amounts to pound notes over the side is making things very difficult.

"It is totally demoralising for any fishermen to go to sea knowing that part of the catch will go over the side.

"If we can overcome this we have a hell of a future because our stocks are in a good state."